Are you looking for an elegant appetizer that requires almost no work? Then you’re going to love these frozen bacon wrapped scallops in the air fryer. In just about 15 minutes, you’ll have a fan favorite that’s cooked perfectly and tastes delicious.
Why We Love This Recipe
I really love bacon wrapped scallops to begin with, but this recipe makes it so simple. You can either buy already frozen bacon-wrapped scallops, or just wrap some when you have spare time and store them in the freezer for the busy holiday season.
When you want to cook them up, there’s no need to defrost. Just throw them in your air fryer! You’ll get perfectly crisp bacon and succulent scallops, and you only need to flip them occasionally. I mean, how easy is that?
If that wasn’t enough, bacon wrapped scallops are naturally Keto friendly (just watch the seasonings and sauces) so they’re flexible for dietary needs!
For an easy entrée option that also cooks from frozen, check out this recipe for air fryer frozen scallops in a garlic butter sauce!
What You Need For This Recipe
- 1 lb frozen bacon wrapped scallops, any brand (about 16 large scallops)
- Seasoning (optional)
- Dipping sauce (optional)
Ingredient Tips & Recommendations
- Wrapped scallops. Aldi, Costco, and Omaha Steaks have the best frozen bacon wrapped scallops. If you want to prepare your own instead of buying pre-made, wrap ½ slice of bacon around a sea scallop and secure with a toothpick. Freeze for up to 3 months
- Seasoning. This is optional, but you can sprinkle ½ tsp (or more to taste) of seasoning over the scallops before cooking if desired. I like barbecue, Cajun seasoning, Old Bay, or paprika
- Dipping sauce. These scallops are great on their own, but you can serve with a dipping sauce if you like. I recommend garlic butter, Yum Yum sauce, hot honey, maple syrup, or remoulade
How to Make Frozen Bacon Wrapped Scallops in the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F
- Season your scallops if desired with ½ tsp seasoning (optional)
- Place frozen bacon wrapped scallops in the preheated air fryer basket, allowing air space between each one
- Cook on air fry setting for 10-15 minutes at 400°F, pausing to flip every 5 minutes
- They are done when the bacon is browned, crispy, and a minimum of 145°F, while the scallop inside should reach at least 130°F
- Add additional time in 1-2 minute increments if needed and check frequently to prevent overcooking
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, a squeeze of lemon, or on their own!
What to Serve This Recipe With
Pair bacon wrapped scallops with Frozen Hush Puppies, Parmesan Polenta Cakes, Frozen Mac and Cheese Bites, Homemade Spinach Balls, Crispy Frozen Onion Rings, or some Air Fryer Frozen Potato Skins.
Recipe FAQs
Can You Cook Frozen Bacon Wrapped Scallops in an Air Fryer?
Yes, you can cook frozen bacon wrapped scallops in an air fryer.
They do not need to be defrosted ahead of time and may be cooked directly from frozen.
How Long Do You Cook Frozen Bacon Wrapped Scallops in the Air Fryer?
You should cook frozen bacon wrapped scallops in the air fryer for approximately 10-15 minutes, flipping every 5 minutes.
The time may vary slightly depending on the size of your scallops and your particular air fryer, but this is a good estimate.
Pro Tips for This Recipe
- There’s no need to add additional oil; the bacon has enough natural fat
- Toothpicks are safe for your air fryer; no need to remove them until after cooking
- If your frozen scallops are stuck together, use your fingers to carefully pry them apart. Do not use the toothpicks for this, as they may snap
- A serving is typically 2-3 scallops depending on size, so you’ll get around 6-8 from a pound. Cooking time doesn’t change based on quantity (as long as your air fryer has room), so adjust to your needs
Other Air Fryer Recipes for Bacon Lovers
- Crispy Turkey Bacon BLT
- Brussel Sprouts with Bacon and Maple Syrup
- Loaded Foil Wrapped Baked Potato
- Easy Homemade Potato Skins
- Air Fryer Pretzel Bacon Cheeseburger Bombs
Final Thoughts
Making frozen bacon wrapped scallops in the air fryer is such a simple way to get an elegant appetizer on the table in very little time. It takes some more hassle out of the holidays, and always makes our Feast of the Seven Fishes.
If you love scallops, make sure to check out our Air Fryer Parmesan Breaded Scallops or some of our other best air fryer scallops recipes for an entrée option!
Frozen Bacon Wrapped Scallops in Air Fryer
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound Frozen bacon wrapped scallops, any brand (approximately 16 large scallops)
- 1/2 tsp Seasoning (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F
- Season your scallops if desired with your favorite seasoning (optional)1 pound Frozen bacon wrapped scallops, any brand, 1/2 tsp Seasoning
- Place frozen bacon wrapped scallops in the preheated air fryer basket, allowing air space between each one
- Cook on air fry setting for 10-15 minutes at 400°F, pausing to flip every 5 minutes
- They are done when the bacon is browned, crispy, and a minimum of 145°F, while the scallop inside should reach at least 130°F
- Add additional time in 1-2 minute increments if needed and check frequently to prevent overcooking
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, a squeeze of lemon, or on their own!
Notes
- Seasoning is optional (they’re delicious without any as well). I recommend barbecue, Old Bay, Cajun, or paprika, but use what you like!
- Dipping sauce suggestions: garlic butter, Yum Yum sauce, hot honey, maple syrup, or remoulade (but it’s not needed, totally optional)
- If you want to prepare your own frozen bacon wrapped scallops instead of buying pre-made, wrap ½ slice of bacon around a sea scallop and secure with a toothpick. Freeze for up to 3 months
- As long as there is space in your air fryer, cooking time doesn’t change for more or less scallops, so you can adjust based on needs
- Toothpicks are safe for air fryer use. Do not remove until ready to consume
- There is no need to add any oil for cooking (bacon has enough of its own)
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand, quantity consumed, and any seasoning or sauces used, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
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